World News Briefs -- May 19, 2009

GM Bankruptcy Plan Eyes Quick Sale To Gov't -- Reuters

NEW YORK, May 19 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp's (GM.N) plan for a bankruptcy filing involves a quick sale of the company's healthy assets to a new company initially owned by the U.S. government, a source familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq arrests 2 Sunni leaders, raising fears of violence. Government seeks to reassure Sunni fighters.

Iraqis don't jog or spin, but fitness clubs are in.

Israeli warplanes bomb Gaza border area: witnesses.

Jerusalem mayor 'stepping up demolitions'.

Palestinians demand Obama action follow words.

ASIA

Pakistan refugees blocked from homes by fighting. Urban battle awaits Pakistani forces in Swat.

Myanmar presses case against Pro-Democracy leader. More news here.

India: Congress party picks PM Singh to lead again.

Ex-U.S. envoy may take key role in Afghan government.

Sri Lanka: What happens now?

AFRICA

Nigerian army, militants clash near Chevron oil site.

Somali official warns pirates may become warlords.

Ethiopian forces back in Somalia, locals say.

Chad says military offensive against rebels inside Sudan completed.

Why Obama's going to Ghana.

Malawi votes for president in latest round of feud.

EUROPE

Biden warns against revival of ethnic strife in Balkans.

No more amnesty for Chechen militants.

British expense scandal ousts lower house speaker.

MI5 'too stretched' before 7 July.

Italian police capture leading Naples mobsters.

Russia panel to 'protect history'.

AMERICAS

Californians vote on budget woes.

Colombia’s Police destroy 80 cocaine labs.

Defense chief hopes to lead Colombia.

Mexico nabs new drug lord, but is it winning war?

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Parliamentary Group clears British Intelligence of failing to prevent London bombings. More news here and here.

Despite plan, Guantánamo trials still problematic.

Trial of CIA, Italian agents provides rare look at intelligence work.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Oil prices bounce above $60 in New York.

Invading the Caymans.